The Restless Princess – Part 2

Queen Amaria arrived with much fanfare, but not that of a Queen of Rezia. No, her entrance was more fitting of a King. Instead of being helped out of a glamorous carriage, she rode in at the head of her retinue on a gorgeous white horse. Trumpets announced her approach, and flags in the sapphire and silver colors of Movalon waved through the air. 

A heavy crown sat atop her black hair, not a dainty diadem like the one I wore. While her gown was made of expensive, deep blue fabric and featured gorgeous silver floral detailing, she had split skirts to allow her to ride. As she effortlessly dropped from her horse, I couldn’t help but admire her beauty and poise, but also the power she exuded. This was a woman capable of leading a Realm.

My brother stepped forward to greet her, bowing over her outstretched hand. “Welcome to Rezia, Queen Amaria.” 

He then offered her an arm and escorted her into the lavish banquet awaiting them. I was led in behind them by the Queen’s cousin, Prince Derric. The feast consisted of traditional dishes from Rezia, an introduction to our cuisine for the Queen. After an appropriate amount of time to allow for pleasantries, I decided to make my move.

I patted my mouth with a napkin and cleared my throat. “Brother, don’t you think that if Queen Amaria is to be our Queen, she should meet the people of Rezia?”

He looked to Amaria. “If you would like that, an outing could certainly be arranged.”

“That is forward-thinking, Princess Evelyn.” The Queen smiled at me and nodded in approval. “Your sister seems quite the asset. Does she sit on your council?”

“Well,” my brother took a bite of food, buying time. “She is a bit young still.” 

The truth was that women didn’t sit on the council in Rezia, but my brother astutely decided that would not be wise to say to his future Queen. 

“I did just have my 17th birthday, Andreu. Perhaps you could consider my appointment at the next meeting?” I beamed sweetly at him. This wasn’t a part of my plan, but I couldn’t let the opportunity pass.

“Certainly,” he replied with a nod, before turning back to Amaria. “Now about this outing. We could venture through the capital to the neighboring city of Runswick tomorrow. If we start after breakfast, we could have lunch at Count Oudin’s castle and be back in time for dinner.”

“That sounds lovely. I haven’t seen Juliet, Count Oudin’s daughter, in ages,” I jump in.

My brother turns to me with narrowed eyes. We both know the reason I haven’t seen Juliet is because I’m not allowed to travel that far. But Andreu is smart enough to realize he can’t forbid me from going in front of Queen Amaria, at least not if he wants to convince her he respects women.

“It seems everything is settled then,” Queen Amaria says with a pleasant smile.

…

What do you think of the story so far? Do you think Princess Evelyn’s plan will work? Let us know in the comments! Check back next week for the conclusion to the story.

Thanks so much for reading!

-Clever & WTF